Ah Wildlife

Reason #1 why it's probably not a really good idea to leave food/water on the porch in the midst of a drought:

You'll attract wildlife.
In case you can't tell from the photo, that's a shot from inside the office out toward the porch where a raccoon was caught drinking from the cats' water bowl. You see, one of the animals (Fergie) has taken to sprawling on the porch in this oppressive heat. This is all that much more surprising seeing as how she's the one with the long fur:

Even more surprising is the fact that she'll take the opportunity (on these really hot days) to cuddle with PIC or myself... outside... on the porch... in 90 degree weather. This is something she doesn't do in the cooler confines of the house.
I, when on the porch, can usually be found like this:


But I digress.
The aforementioned raccoon undoubtedly was just looking for some relief from the weather. Awww. But, given the animals' predisposition for carrying certain diseases, they're generally not something you want hanging around your house pets. Especially older (the cats are 17) slower ones. And unfortunately, Fergie (see above) was out on the porch at the time. Fortunately, she's not super territorial and there was no defense posture. When I opened the door, in order to get a better picture of the animal, it took off blowing right past with Fergie hissing in its wake.

I'd have gotten a better photograph if: a) I was faster; b) it was slower; c) the batteries in my camera weren't slightly worn down.
Still, on the coolness front, this is the closest I've ever gotten to wildlife.
I'm still not sure how smart that was... but still.